Meet Kenny Schmidt

Custom Homebuilder & General Contractor at Walnut Ridge Construction

QUALITY | HONESTY | INTEGRITY | TRANSPARENCY | COMMUNICATION

About Kenny Schmidt and Walnut Ridge Construction

A Builder Who Still Believes in Doing Things Right

I’m Kenny Schmidt, founder and general contractor of Walnut Ridge Construction here in East Tennessee. I’ve spent my entire career building homes the right way — with honesty, craftsmanship, and a personal commitment to every family who puts their trust in me.

Walnut Ridge Construction is a family-run business built on relationships and reputation. We’re proud to continue the legacy of BR2 Custom Builders, a company long known in this area for its quality work and integrity. When BR2’s owner retired, I stepped in to keep that standard alive — carrying forward the same proven processes, reliable subcontractors, and commitment to our community that made BR2 so respected.

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A Lifetime in Construction

My story starts long before Walnut Ridge. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from the University of Florida. After college, I spent nearly two decades managing and building homes for companies like John Wieland Homes, Front Door Communities, and Stanley Martin Homes — overseeing neighborhoods, managing teams, and learning every detail that makes a home not just beautiful, but built to last.

When the opportunity came to create a company rooted in those same values — where clients could speak directly with their builder, know exactly what’s happening with their home, and trust the process from start to finish — Walnut Ridge Construction was born.

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What We Stand For

Every home we build is a reflection of the families we work with. We take pride in clear communication, fair pricing, and craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Whether it’s a custom home, renovation, or addition, we approach every project with the same philosophy:

Be transparent. No games, no surprises.
Be reliable. Keep promises, return calls, and show up.
Build it like it’s your own home.

See Our Portfolio Of Homes

A Personal Note

My wife and family are part of the community we build for. I live here, shop here, and run into our homeowners at the grocery store. That’s why our reputation means everything to me — it’s not just business, it’s personal.

If you’re considering building in East Tennessee, I’d love the opportunity to earn your trust and show you what it means when your home is built by Walnut Ridge Construction.

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Next Steps

See Homes We've Built.

At Walnut Ridge Construction, we love showing off our work. Take a look at some of the latest custom homes we've built.

See Our Work

Read Guides & Resources.

Learn more about East Tennessee's local new home communities or each stage of the custom home building process.

Visit Our Blog

Start the Process.

Get a custom quote today for your upcoming new home, renovation, or home addition project.

Get a Quote

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO A NEW HOME

Let’s Build Something Great Together

Whether you’re ready to start designing your dream home or just beginning to explore your options, I’d be happy to sit down, answer your questions, and walk you through the process step by step. At Walnut Ridge Construction, there’s no hard sell — just an honest conversation about what you want, what it will take to get there, and how we can make it happen the right way. Schedule a consultation today and let’s start planning the home you’ve been dreaming about.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Testimonials

Tellico Village

“We interviewed several builders before choosing Walnut Ridge, but what sold us was their open-book pricing and constant communication. We saw every invoice and cost, and there were zero surprises. The process was honest and smooth from start to finish.”

Sarah & Mark L.

Rarity Bay

“From our very first meeting, we knew we were in good hands. Kenny and his team took the time to understand our needs, our land, and our budget. Our home fits our lot perfectly and turned out even better than we imagined.”

Tom & Rachel B.

Loudon County

“The craftsmanship is outstanding. Every trim line, cabinet, and stone detail feels intentional. It’s clear Walnut Ridge Construction takes pride in every home they build.”

Greg & Melissa K.

WindRiver Community

“We were building from Florida, and Kenny kept us updated with progress photos, budget reports, and quick responses. We never felt out of the loop, even from hundreds of miles away.”

David & Karen T.

Monroe County

“We’ve built before, and this was by far the best experience. The cost-plus contract gave us peace of mind, and the workmanship exceeded expectations. We would recommend Walnut Ridge to anyone building in Tennessee.”

Mark & Sheila R.

Blount County

“I've had the pleasure of knowing the general contractor of Walnut Ridge Construction, Kenny Schmidt, for over 20 years. So, when it came time to build a house, there's only one person I trusted to take care of me. You'll never meet a more honest person in your life.”

David M. & Melanie W.

Ready to start your next project?

Custom Homes

Home Additions

Home Remodeling

East Tennessee’s trusted builder for custom homes, additions, and renovations crafted with care and a foundation of honesty, transparency, and integrity. Trust your home with Walnut Ridge Construction.